This month’s Learning Framework topic is ‘Lead Others’ which focuses on creating, empowering, and supporting high-performance teams. In April, emphasize the capacity for all team members to be a leader in their own unique way. In January we launched the new professional development guide that introduces a learning topic each month in 2022. Stay tuned each month for more learning opportunities!

Everyone has the capacity to lead others, but without the right skills that leadership may be less beneficial and impactful than desired. There are a multitude of ways to build one's leadership skills, but leading others requires new and different skill sets than general leadership. Michelle Branden, with Forbes Coaches Council notes notes that the top skill a leader of others needs is Emotional Intelligence. Emotional Intelligence, consisting of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness and relationship management, emphasizes the need to know oneself before you can adequately know others.

Jean Dahl, founder of the Modern Lean Network, emphasizes that before you can lead others, you must be able to lead yourself. Being self-lead is a continual journey, one that encourages balance in ones life, including emotional, physical, intellectual, etc., components. Dahl encourages leaders to take care of themselves, take the time they need to refresh when stressed, keep a healthy body and mind, face challenges head on, take action, and most importantly, trust in yourself. "You must develop your skills and abilities before you can teach, develop, mentor, coach, and lead others, which means you must first be able to trust and believe in yourself."

In your ENGAGE conversation this month, encourage open conversation around growth and development. Below are a few example questions that may help steer that conversation.

1. What's your story, and what can I do to support you as you write the current (or next) chapter?

2. How do you take care of yourself? What can I do to help you in your self-care efforts?

3. Right now, what is the most important thing I should know about you?

The new 2022 Learning Framework was developed by State team members, for State team members. Each month, we will highlight a new topic, one directly related to The Missouri Way Training Series. These trainings, along with ENGAGE conversation topics, live educational opportunities, and additional learning resources, are combined into one comprehensive package.

While participation is optional, our goal is to provide just the right amount of education so supervisors can meet their LDR goals, and all team members can meet their individual educational goals.